Around Town

Watertown Groups Providing Ways to Get Help From & Give Assistance to Neighbors (Including Face Masks)

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The recently created Mutual Aid Network is a way for Watertown residents to help their neighbors, and for people in town to get assistance during the COVID-19 outbreak, including food, financial assistance and even face masks. The combined effort by the Watertown Community Foundation and the Wayside Youth & Family Support Network kicked off last week, and has already garnered a team of volunteers. Jan Singer, executive director of the Watertown Community Foundation said that people can request assistance or volunteer to provide help through this Mutual Aid form. The idea of Mutual Aid is to connect people, Singer said. Normally the groups would create a central drop-off and pick-up site, but that is not possible with places like the Watertown Library and Town Hall closed due to orders by the Governor.

Around Town

See How to Make Your Own Face Mask with Items at Home

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Starting May 4, people in Watertown will be required to wear a face covering when out in public — indoors and out. Face masks may be hard to find in stores, but the CDC has a video showing how to make your own using items in your home. Items needed are a piece of cloth (a bandana, small towel or piece of clothing) and two rubber bands. No sewing necessary. https://youtu.be/tPx1yqvJgf4

The requirement to wear something to cover your face and mouth was put in place by the Board of Health on Thursday.

Around Town

Face Coverings Will be Required in Public in Watertown, Violators Will Face a Fine

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The Watertown Board of Health voted to require that people wear face coverings when out in public, indoors and out, or face a fine. The order is a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, said Town Health Director Larry Ramdin. The board voted to approve the order, which will take effect Monday, May 4 and requires anyone age 5 or older to wear something that covers their nose and mouth while in public places, but not necessarily a face mask. Other options include bandanas or scarfs that cover the nose and mouth. Exceptions will be made for children under age 5, as well as people who have health conditions or disabilities that prevent them from wearing a face covering.

Around Town

Watertown Savings Awards More Than $20 Million in PPP Loans

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A lot of money was raised and spent on the 2015 Watertown Election. One of the key parts of the Federal CARES Act, passed by Congress in response to the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, was the program to prevent layoffs, called the Payroll Protection Program or PPP. Loans were granted to businesses who applied through their banks. Locally, one of the institutions used by many in town is Watertown Savings Bank, which announced it handed out more than $20 million in PPP loans. The program allows for forgivable loans of up to $10 million, but the average amount of the PPP loans approved by Watertown Savings was close to $35,000.

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation Thanks Volunteers, Still Has Ways to Help

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The Watertown Community Foundation sent out the following information:

May 2,2020 would have been our 7th Annual WHO-Watertown Helps Out! A Town Wide Day of Community Service. Because of COVID-19 we are unable to gather in groups but the wonderful spirit of helping out and giving back continues. THANK YOU for volunteering the past 6 years.THANK YOU for always being willing to step up and help out.THANK YOU for your donations to the Community Resilience Fund.THANK YOU for keeping the spirit of the day alive.THANK YOU for making Watertown a wonderful community. See how to volunteer to help during the COVID-19 outbreak by clicking here.

Around Town

Library Adds Streaming Options for Movies, TV & Music; See What Else is New

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Watertown Free Public Library

The following information was provided by the Watertown Free Public Library:

While the Watertown Free Public Library is closed, we’ve been expanding our digital collection. Last week, we added two new streaming platforms: Acorn TV (specializing in British TV and movies) and Qello (full-length concert films and music documentaries). Watertown residents can access both services for free. 

We’re also bringing new programs (and old favorites) online. Democracy Talks, Mystery Roundup, and Cook the Books: Pantry Edition all return this week via Zoom. WFPL’s Teen Department is offering online audiobook discussion groups, and the Children’s Department continues to add new stories and fun sing-alongs to our Story Time Video Library. 

Here’s a full list of virtual offerings for the week of April 27 – May 1:

NEW IN THE DIGITAL LIBRARY

Stingray QelloExplore the world’s leading streaming service for full-length concerts and music documentaries. (Watch The Beatles, Lady Gaga, Beyonce…)Acorn TVStream TV and feature films from Britain and beyond. Binge-watch a classic series or discover a new favorite among 60 exclusive shows!PressReaderAccess over 7,000+ domestic and international newspapers and magazines from 160 countries.Ancestry Library EditionTrace your family tree with access to billions of records, including census data, vital records, and directories. Visit watertownlib.org/elibrary to view our full digital collection.

Around Town

Town Council Discussing Filippello Park Lighting Tuesday, See How to Watch & Participate

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The Town Council will likely vote Tuesday on the proposed lighting project at Filippello Park. The plan calls for installing new lights at the field near Arlington Street (on the left), and replacing the lights on the Grove Street Field (in the middle of the map, marked “Softball” and “Soccer”). The Town Council will meet virtually Tuesday night at 7 p.m. and are scheduled to have a public hearing and vote on the lighting project at Filippello Park. The Recreation Department has proposed putting up new lights at the Arlington Street Field at the park on the Eastside of town, and replace the lights at the softball field closer to the Grove Street side of the park. A new scoreboard will also be installed.

Around Town

Watertown Group Joining Mother’s Day Walk for Peace — Virtually

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The group from Watertown Walks for Peace participated in the 2019 Mother’s Day Walk for Peace. This year it will participate virtually. The following information was provided by Watertown Walks for Peace:

This year Watertown residents will again participate in the annual Mothers’ Day Walk for Peace, which will be held virtually, with all proceeds to benefit families and communities affected by gun violence. The event is sponsored by the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute in Dorchester, a center for healing and teaching, supporting those who have lost loved ones to homicide, and working with young people to teach the ways of peace. In the past, Walkers for Peace have trekked from Dorchester to Boston City Hall to declare their support for ending gun violence.